Like all machines, our cars are made of parts that sometimes need to be replaced to ensure optimal performance of the vehicle as a whole. One choice faced by drivers who need to replace a car component is whether they should go with Genuine GM parts or various aftermarket products. While certain aftermarket parts may seem appealing because of a low price, it’s important to understand the major benefits of using Genuine GM parts when repairing your vehicle. Make sure your vehicle always has the proper parts for the job. Our service center at Hiley Buick GMC of Fort Worth is equipped to offer essential parts replacements. We have a wide selection of outstanding OEM parts that will give you the quality and reliability you're after.

Why Are OEM Parts Better Than Aftermarket Parts?

There are many occasions in vehicle's lifespan when you may need to invest in new parts. Perhaps your aging vehicle has a component that has failed. If you were in an accident, you may have damaged parts from the incident that cannot be repaired and instead require a complete replacement. When you're navigating the world of new vehicle parts, it's important to understand your options. One of the primary choices that you'll have to make is whether to invest in OEM parts or use aftermarket parts.

OEM Parts

Designed and manufactured by the same manufacturer who made your vehicle, OEM parts are a perfect fit. They were made with the exact specifications of your vehicle's make and model in mind. When you're working with a dealership like Hiley Buick GMC of Fort Worth, you'll get high-quality, reliable OEM parts for your repair. These are a good investment because they:

Come directly from the manufacturer.

Compromise nothing in quality.

Often offer a longer lifespan.

Provide optimum performance for your vehicle.

Are easy to choose, with no brands to research and compare.

Are an exact replacement for what your vehicle came with.

Provide a warranty.

Maintain your vehicle's value.

Keep you in compliance with most leasing agreements.

Aftermarket Parts

Aftermarket parts are available from a variety of different manufacturers. These can provide a decent fit for your vehicle, but they're not made to the same exacting specifications as OEM parts. The primary benefit that buyers see in aftermarket parts is the lower price point. Some insurance companies prefer aftermarket parts for this reason. However, it's important to understand what you're sacrificing. When you're choosing your insurance plan, look for one that includes OEM parts so you can keep your vehicle in the best condition possible. Aftermarket parts:

May not fit the vehicle exactly.

Require research and a knowledgeable approach to find the best manufacturer.

Vary greatly between brands.

Typically do not have a warranty.

How to Check for Recalls

If there's a recall on your vehicle, you can bring it into a dealership like Hiley Buick GMC of Forth Worth for replacement OEM parts free of cost. You should always come in for an OEM replacement when there's a recall, as this is the only way to get a new, faulty-free part without investing in the parts and labor. Do you know how to check for recalls on your vehicle? While many recalls are for fairly minor problems, you should always address a recall as soon as possible to make sure that you're as safe as you can be when you're on the road. If there's a recall for your make and model, you may hear about it through a direct communication from the manufacturer. If they have your information, they will often send you a letter or email. You may even receive a phone call.

You can verify any recall notice that you receive or check independently for recalls that you may not have heard about by doing a little bit of research online. This is quick and simple, and it goes a long way toward helping you protect and maintain your vehicle.

Go to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. Here, you'll find a page where you can easily look up recalls for your vehicle.

Enter your vehicle's 17-digit VIN number. You may find this on a metal plate inside your dashboard. It's typically located on the driver's side near the point where the dash and windshield meet. You can easily read the VIN from outside the car, looking in. You may also find the VIN inside the door jamb on the driver's side. Your insurance card should have the VIN, too.

Review the information. This search tool will show you any unrepaired safety recall for your vehicle within the last 15 years. It will not show you recalls that your vehicle has already received repairs for.

The NHTSA tool delivers recall information for major to light auto automakers, but does not provide information for some small vehicle manufacturers. If you're concerned about a part recall for your Buick GMC vehicle, you can also reach out to our team at Hiley Buick GMC of Fort Worth. We'll help you review and understand any recalls that are in place for your vehicle.

Schedule a Part Replacement

If there's a recall for a part on your vehicle, all you need to do is schedule your repair with our team. Towing services are occasionally available in cases where the manufacturer's recall makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. We'll talk you through the appropriate process for your individual needs.

If you need a part replacement for any other reason, we're happy to schedule a convenient appointment time for these needs as well. We offer an online parts replacement form that you can fill out to pre-order specific OEM parts that you're looking for for your vehicle. Whether you need a replacement for a failing part or you simply want an outstanding upgrade straight from the manufacturer, we're here to help. Hiley Buick GMC of Fort Worth is a certified retailer for OEM parts for Buick, GMC drivers in our area.

What are Genuine Service Parts?

Genuine GM parts are GM’s version of OEM parts. Short for “original equipment manufacturer,” OEM parts are products produced directly by the manufacturer of your vehicle’s original components, and are thus identical to the parts of your car that you are replacing. Genuine GM parts are brand new and constructed from the same quality materials as the original components of your car. In other words, they’re designed from the get-go to fit your GM vehicle.

Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are manufactured to approximate your vehicle’s original parts but are often made from different or lower quality materials and come with little guarantee of compatibility.

Guaranteed compatibility and quality

The biggest advantage of using Genuine GM parts is that you can count on perfect compatibility and the highest quality. OEM parts are often more expensive than various aftermarket options, but you’ll save in the long run with GM parts. With Genuine GM parts, you can rest assured that you are getting a part that is identical to the one you’re replacing and that it is of the highest quality.

Because Genuine GM parts are designed to specifically fit the exact specifications of your vehicle, they usually have longer operational life than aftermarket counterparts, which is another way that OEM parts save you money.

Superior support

Another big advantage of OEM parts is that they usually come with a manufacturer-backed warranty and include access to a support network that exceeds that of aftermarket products. If you have any questions of your replacement parts, for example, you can count on being able to talk to someone with extensive knowledge about the exact part in question.

At Hiley Buick GMC in Fort Worth, Texas, we use Genuine GM parts to ensure your vehicle has the best quality care. If your vehicle needs a part replacement, or if you have any questions about Genuine GM parts, stop by our service department and speak with a representative. When you come to our service center, you'll enjoy outstanding care and quality. We strive to offer competitive service pricing for all your needs. In addition to part replacements, we also offer oil change packages, tire rotation, wheel alignments, and other maintenance services. We even offer brake inspections free of charge to help you stay safe on the road.

Schedule your visit with our professionals today to keep your vehicle in optimum condition. We'll help you find the right OEM replacement parts for your vehicle no matter what your current needs are.